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Payne Haas changes allegiance to Samoa ahead of next year's Rugby League World Cup
Payne Haas has delivered a boost to Samoa and a blow to Australia ahead of the Rugby League World Cup, confirming his change of allegiance to the Pacific nation.
On Sunday, Haas met the media in Brisbane and posed with a Samoan flag at the announcement of his decision.
"There was a moment when I played for Australia and we versed Samoa and the anthems were playing, and my mind started racing back with lots of memories with my mum making us sing the national anthem of Samoa in the back of the car," Haas said.
"I think from that moment onwards I wanted to play for Samoa and represent my mum's side, the Taufua side, and really make them proud. My grandparents as well.
"[Family and culture] mean the world to me. My uncle Mark [Taufua] played for Toa Samoa as well.
"I remember always watching him do the [Samoan war dance] Siva Tau, and I always wanted to do it, and used to do it in front of the TV.
"I get my moment now to play for Samoa. It's something I've always wanted to do and I'm just privileged and blessed to do so."
The Brisbane Broncos star is of Samoan, Swiss and Filipino descent. He has played four Tests for Australia, scoring one try.
Four months ago, Haas told the media that he was considering changing his allegiance from Australia to Samoa.
He has also represented New South Wales 17 times in State of Origin, and is a four-time Dally M Prop of the Year.
The move is a significant boost for Samoa, who underlined their status as a new powerhouse of international rugby league by making the World Cup final in 2022, losing to Australia.
Toa Samoa head coach Ben Gardiner welcomed Haas's decision to declare for the Pacific nation.
"We're excited to welcome Payne into the Toa Samoa family," Gardiner said.
"He's a proven performer on the biggest stages and we can't wait to see him in blue."
Rugby League Samoa president Fiu Ponifasio Vasa echoed Gardiner's support for the move.
"It's been a dream to have all our sons of Samoa from the NRL represent their heritage and Payne's decision will inspire many."
International rugby league rules state that players eligible for a tier-one nation like Australia and a tier-two nation such as Samoa can switch allegiance as long as they do not play for both nations in the same calendar year.
The move makes Haas eligible to play for Samoa in the Pacific Championships following the NRL season. His decision means he will be unavailable for Australia's Ashes tour of England.
Samoa will play New Zealand in Auckland on October 19 in a big start to their Pacific Championships campaign, before facing Tonga at Lang Park seven days later.
